Editorial
On December 16, 1971, Pakistan experienced one of its darkest moments: the loss of East Pakistan, which declared independence, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. This marked not just the end of a territorial loss but the beginning of a profound national trauma for Pakistan, one that deeply scarred its collective consciousness. The Fall of Dhaka remains a critical reflection on the complex dynamics of nation-building, ethnic tensions, and the consequences of external interference. Over five decades later, the reverberations of this tragic event continue to shape the region.
The origins of the 1971 crisis can be traced back to the growing divide between East and West Pakistan. While Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam, had envisioned a united nation with Urdu as a unifying force, the Bengali-speaking population in the East felt increasingly marginalized. The centralized power structure and political decisions failed to address the cultural and political aspirations of the Bengalis, leading to deepening discontent. This divide was exacerbated when the 1970 elections resulted in a landslide victory for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League, which was subsequently denied power by West Pakistan’s authorities, igniting the path to conflict.
The role of the Indian-backed Mukti Bahini, a separatist group in East Pakistan, was crucial in intensifying the insurgency. While the Pakistani military’s response was widely criticized, the narrative of atrocities often overlooks the actions of the Mukti Bahini, including the systematic killing of Bihari Muslims who supported Pakistan. Furthermore, India’s involvement, which included military and logistical support to the insurgents, is a critical factor that is often downplayed in mainstream historical accounts. Indian intelligence agencies, including RAW, actively worked to destabilize Pakistan’s eastern wing, which has been described as part of a long-term strategy to weaken Pakistan.
The Fall of Dhaka remains a painful reminder of the complexities involved in building a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual nation. While Pakistan must acknowledge its internal failures, it is equally important to recognize the significant external factors that contributed to the dismemberment of the country. The real victims were the ordinary people— soldiers, civilians, and refugees— caught in the crossfire of this catastrophic conflict.
